Premier League – Global Soccerhttp://www.globalsoccer.today
Latests football news, fixtures, results and further informationWed, 19 Dec 2018 09:06:54 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9https://i2.wp.com/www.globalsoccer.today/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/fav-hlob-soccer.png?fit=29%2C32Premier League – Global Soccerhttp://www.globalsoccer.today
3232137855141Ahmed Hegazi completes permanent move to West Bromhttp://www.globalsoccer.today/ahmed-hegazi-completes-permanent-move-to-west-brom/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/ahmed-hegazi-completes-permanent-move-to-west-brom/#respondTue, 06 Feb 2018 16:55:19 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/ahmed-hegazi-completes-permanent-move-to-west-brom/West Brom have completed the signing of Egypt international defender Ahmed Hegazi on a permanent deal.
The 26-year-old has been on loan from Al Ahly, joining Albion in July, and the option has been taken to prolong his stay at The Hawthorns.
An undisclosed fee has been agreed between the two clubs and Hegazi has signed a contract until the summer of 2022.
Hegazi was brought to the club by former boss Tony Pulis but new manager Alan Pardew has welcomed the decision to keep the player.
He told the club's official website: "This is great news for the club. Ahmed has been absolutely terrific for me since I arrived and I am sure there is even more to come from him in the future.
"He is one of the players we can build around on the road ahead. He has a big role to play and it is good for the player and the club to remove any doubts and make the transfer permanent.
"I'm sure it is something the supporters will also welcome."
West Brom are without a Premier League win since August an..

]]>West Brom have completed the signing of Egypt international defender Ahmed Hegazi on a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old has been on loan from Al Ahly, joining Albion in July, and the option has been taken to prolong his stay at The Hawthorns.

An undisclosed fee has been agreed between the two clubs and Hegazi has signed a contract until the summer of 2022.

Hegazi was brought to the club by former boss Tony Pulis but new manager Alan Pardew has welcomed the decision to keep the player.

He told the club's official website: "This is great news for the club. Ahmed has been absolutely terrific for me since I arrived and I am sure there is even more to come from him in the future.

"He is one of the players we can build around on the road ahead. He has a big role to play and it is good for the player and the club to remove any doubts and make the transfer permanent.

"I'm sure it is something the supporters will also welcome."

West Brom are without a Premier League win since August and sit in the relegation zone after Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United, but Hegazi had no hesitation committing his future to the club and is confident things will improve soon.

"I am very happy with the club and very happy to be part of this group of players," he said.

"I know the results are not what we would want at the moment. But there is great spirit here and I am sure that we will turn the results in our favour before long."

Hegazi marked his West Brom debut by scoring the only goal in a home victory over Bournemouth on the opening day of the season and has gone on to make 19 appearances for the club.

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/ahmed-hegazi-completes-permanent-move-to-west-brom/feed/0163994David Moyes questions Manuel Lanzini chargehttp://www.globalsoccer.today/david-moyes-questions-manuel-lanzini-charge/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/david-moyes-questions-manuel-lanzini-charge/#respondTue, 06 Feb 2018 08:35:34 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/david-moyes-questions-manuel-lanzini-charge/West Ham manager David Moyes is surprised by the Football Association’s decision to charge Manuel Lanzini for diving.
But Moyes admits West Ham are yet to decide if they will appeal against the Argentinian’s two-match ban before Tuesday’s deadline of 6pm.
Lanzini won a penalty against Stoke on Saturday after he was challenged by Erik Pieters, with Hammers captain Mark Noble converting from the spot to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The decision infuriated Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who is now under even more pressure following their 3-0 home defeat.
Moyes on Lanzini diving charge: “I'm a bit surprised. The referee was 10 yards from the ball, nothing was blocking his vision…I think they're going against the referee.” pic.twitter.com/HnCpdU0DFz
— Tom Allnutt (@tomallnuttPA) December 18, 2017
Lanzini is the second Premier League player to be charged for the “successful deception of a match official” – in this case referee Graham Scott – after Everton striker Oumar Niasse was the firs..

]]>West Ham manager David Moyes is surprised by the Football Association’s decision to charge Manuel Lanzini for diving.

But Moyes admits West Ham are yet to decide if they will appeal against the Argentinian’s two-match ban before Tuesday’s deadline of 6pm.

Lanzini won a penalty against Stoke on Saturday after he was challenged by Erik Pieters, with Hammers captain Mark Noble converting from the spot to give his side a 1-0 lead.

The decision infuriated Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who is now under even more pressure following their 3-0 home defeat.

Moyes on Lanzini diving charge: “I'm a bit surprised. The referee was 10 yards from the ball, nothing was blocking his vision…I think they're going against the referee.” pic.twitter.com/HnCpdU0DFz

— Tom Allnutt (@tomallnuttPA) December 18, 2017

Lanzini is the second Premier League player to be charged for the “successful deception of a match official” – in this case referee Graham Scott – after Everton striker Oumar Niasse was the first to be penalised last month.

“I am a bit surprised because of the incident in the game,” Moyes said. “The referee was 10 yards from the ball with nothing blocking his vision.

“It is clear to see the defender makes an attempt to go for the ball and doesn’t get it. From my point of view, they are going against the referee, whoever the panel were.”

Lanzini is now set to be suspended for West Ham’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal on Tuesday, as well their crunch basement battle with Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.

Mark Hughes was adamant Lanzini had dived (Mike Egerton/PA)

On whether West Ham will appeal, Moyes said: “We are going to have a talk about it this afternoon and decide what we are going to do. We will look at it.”

Any appeal would be heard by a separate, independent disciplinary commission and there is no risk of Lanzini’s ban being increased if the charge is upheld.

The FA will also complete the fast-track process in time for Tuesday’s match, although Lanzini is likely to be rested anyway for the Carabao Cup clash at Emirates Stadium.

New this season, a simulation charge only comes when there is clear evidence a player has fooled an official into winning a penalty or getting an opponent sent off, either via a straight red card or second yellow.

WHam have nothing to lose by appealing. Would be heard in time for Tues match (although Lanzini likely to be rested) and no chance of ban being increased.

— Tom Allnutt (@tomallnuttPA) December 18, 2017

In Monday’s Daily Mail, ex-referee Graham Poll wrote that he thought Lanzini would avoid a charge, describing it as “a bit of a dive but not an outrageous” one.

“I’m sorry if that doesn’t make sense but that’s how hard it is to referee players such as Manuel Lanzini,” Poll added.

Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s game, Hughes said: “I’ve seen it again. The guy’s dived. He’s drawn the challenge. He’s a clever player.

“It was clearly a dive and the ref’s seen something that no-one else saw. All in all, it was a poor sequence of events for him and for us. It sounds like sour grapes when you talk about people getting punished retrospectively. It doesn’t help us now.”

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/david-moyes-questions-manuel-lanzini-charge/feed/0163902Manchester United star Lukaku pays back police for noise complaints calloutshttp://www.globalsoccer.today/manchester-united-star-lukaku-pays-back-police-for-noise-complaints-callouts/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/manchester-united-star-lukaku-pays-back-police-for-noise-complaints-callouts/#respondTue, 06 Feb 2018 00:28:24 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/manchester-united-star-lukaku-pays-back-police-for-noise-complaints-callouts/Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku “deeply regrets” his behaviour and has reimbursed police for repeated callouts over loud partying in Beverly Hills, his lawyer has said.
The Premier League footballer was arrested by officers responding to five noise complaints in as many days at the home where he was staying on the eve of his £75 million transfer to Old Trafford.
Robert Humphreys, defending Lukaku, entered a no contest plea in court in Los Angeles on Monday and paid 450 US dollars (£336) to reimburse police for their time.
“Mr Lukaku deeply regrets any inconvenience he caused the city of Beverly Hills,” the lawyer said after the hearing.
“And he’s pleased by this settlement to make amends for his past conduct and pleased to have the matter behind him.”
Police were called out five times to the Beverly Hills house where Lukaku was staying before his move to Manchester United ( Celia Paul/PA)
James Eckart, representing Beverly Hills authorities, accepted the plea to the lesser char..

]]>Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku “deeply regrets” his behaviour and has reimbursed police for repeated callouts over loud partying in Beverly Hills, his lawyer has said.

The Premier League footballer was arrested by officers responding to five noise complaints in as many days at the home where he was staying on the eve of his £75 million transfer to Old Trafford.

Robert Humphreys, defending Lukaku, entered a no contest plea in court in Los Angeles on Monday and paid 450 US dollars (£336) to reimburse police for their time.

“Mr Lukaku deeply regrets any inconvenience he caused the city of Beverly Hills,” the lawyer said after the hearing.

“And he’s pleased by this settlement to make amends for his past conduct and pleased to have the matter behind him.”

Police were called out five times to the Beverly Hills house where Lukaku was staying before his move to Manchester United ( Celia Paul/PA)

James Eckart, representing Beverly Hills authorities, accepted the plea to the lesser charge of a disturbance of the peace infraction after the 24-year-old striker was arrested and accused of a misdemeanour carrying up to six months in jail.

Commissioner Jane Godfrey, overseeing the case, ordered Lukaku to pay a further 515 US dollars (£384) in fines, fees and penalties by March 19.

Officers from Beverly Hills Police Department arrested the Belgium international on the evening of July 2, around eight days before his transfer from Everton was completed.

Along with the police reimbursement, he must pay a 100 US dollar (£75) fine, a 375 US dollar (£280) penalty assessment set by the judge and a 40 US dollar (£30) security fee, Los Angeles Airport Courthouse was told.

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/manchester-united-star-lukaku-pays-back-police-for-noise-complaints-callouts/feed/0163852Kevin De Bruyne close to agreeing new contract with Manchester Cityhttp://www.globalsoccer.today/kevin-de-bruyne-close-to-agreeing-new-contract-with-manchester-city-2/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/kevin-de-bruyne-close-to-agreeing-new-contract-with-manchester-city-2/#respondMon, 05 Feb 2018 16:28:13 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/kevin-de-bruyne-close-to-agreeing-new-contract-with-manchester-city-2/Kevin De Bruyne is close to agreeing a new contract with Manchester City, Press Association Sport understands.
The Belgium playmaker still has more than three years to run on his present deal but City want to reward him for his outstanding form and to secure his services for even longer.
City began talks with the 26-year-old in the autumn and they have progressed to a stage where an agreement could be reached in the coming weeks.
All we want for Christmas is two wins this week! ????#MondayMotivaton pic.twitter.com/MUp4zPj7mY
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 18, 2017
The deal, which could be for up to another six years, would guarantee De Bruyne a significant rise on his current terms. The player is presently understood to be earning around £115,000 per week plus bonuses.
City would not consider selling De Bruyne, even if they received a bid in excess of £100million, but the new arrangement would serve as an extra hands-off warning to the continent’s biggest clubs.
The deal also ma..

]]>Kevin De Bruyne is close to agreeing a new contract with Manchester City, Press Association Sport understands.

The Belgium playmaker still has more than three years to run on his present deal but City want to reward him for his outstanding form and to secure his services for even longer.

City began talks with the 26-year-old in the autumn and they have progressed to a stage where an agreement could be reached in the coming weeks.

All we want for Christmas is two wins this week! ????#MondayMotivaton pic.twitter.com/MUp4zPj7mY

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 18, 2017

The deal, which could be for up to another six years, would guarantee De Bruyne a significant rise on his current terms. The player is presently understood to be earning around £115,000 per week plus bonuses.

City would not consider selling De Bruyne, even if they received a bid in excess of £100million, but the new arrangement would serve as an extra hands-off warning to the continent’s biggest clubs.

The deal also makes sense because De Bruyne is settled in Manchester. Speaking in the matchday programme ahead of Saturday’s victory over Tottenham, De Bruyne said: “I always say in football that a lot of things can happen very quickly, but I’m very happy here and the people at the club know that.

This team! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/uabrRUfg66

— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) December 17, 2017

“I’ve no feeling to go anywhere else and enjoy being part of the project here and playing the kind of football we are playing.

“The team is going in the right direction and that’s also important. I made the right decision coming to City and my family feels the same so everything is good.”

De Bruyne, who failed to make an impact at Chelsea earlier in his career, joined City in a £54million move from Wolfsburg in 2015.

That win is for our bro @21LVA ???????? #ComeOnCity pic.twitter.com/2hyvyp3REC

— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) December 16, 2017

His superb performances this season have helped City open up an 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League and reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

He is joint top – alongside team-mates David Silva and Leroy Sane – of the list for assists in the Premier League with eight while he has also scored seven goals in all competitions.

Silva signed a contract extension last month and the club are also likely to move to tie Sane, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to new deals. Fernandinho, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is also set to be offered new terms.

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/kevin-de-bruyne-close-to-agreeing-new-contract-with-manchester-city-2/feed/0163791David Moyes feels he could manage any team in the worldhttp://www.globalsoccer.today/david-moyes-feels-he-could-manage-any-team-in-the-world/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/david-moyes-feels-he-could-manage-any-team-in-the-world/#respondMon, 05 Feb 2018 08:15:44 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/david-moyes-feels-he-could-manage-any-team-in-the-world/David Moyes believes he could manage any team in the world and wants to prove it at West Ham.
Moyes appears to be instigating a revival at his new club, with Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Stoke their third consecutive game without defeat.
Before then, Moyes’ side had lost 2-1 at Manchester City before beating Chelsea and drawing against Arsenal at home.
David Moyes believes he could manage any club in the world (Dave Thompson/EMPICS Sport)
They have climbed out of the relegation places and now sit 15th in the table ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final away at Arsenal.
Like West Ham, Moyes admits he is also rebuilding his reputation after ill-fated spells in charge of Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland.
“I have to come here and show I can do it,” said the Scot. “If you’re any player you have to come and show what you can do. Your reputation doesn’t stand for anything.
“You have to come here and try to get up and show you’re capable of doing the job. I think I’m capable ..

]]>David Moyes believes he could manage any team in the world and wants to prove it at West Ham.

Moyes appears to be instigating a revival at his new club, with Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Stoke their third consecutive game without defeat.

Before then, Moyes’ side had lost 2-1 at Manchester City before beating Chelsea and drawing against Arsenal at home.

David Moyes believes he could manage any club in the world (Dave Thompson/EMPICS Sport)

They have climbed out of the relegation places and now sit 15th in the table ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final away at Arsenal.

Like West Ham, Moyes admits he is also rebuilding his reputation after ill-fated spells in charge of Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland.

“I have to come here and show I can do it,” said the Scot. “If you’re any player you have to come and show what you can do. Your reputation doesn’t stand for anything.

“You have to come here and try to get up and show you’re capable of doing the job. I think I’m capable of doing the job at any club in the world so I’m sure I can do it at West Ham.”

Grab the chance to win a pair of tickets to @WestHamUtd v Newcastle this weekend!To enter, just follow and answer the question below.Off you go…#COYI pic.twitter.com/cHooXLqm1z

— betway (@betway) December 18, 2017

One player to have enjoyed a particular upturn in form is Marko Arnautovic, who cost West Ham a record initial fee of £20million in the summer and has scored twice in his last three games.

Arnautovic provoked anger at Stoke by celebrating in front of his former club’s fans, as well as slapping the badge on his shirt and crossed his wrists – the West Ham salute.

Stoke’s supporters hurled abuse at Arnautovic throughout the game and Mark Hughes exchanged words with the forward when he was substituted in the second half.

“Of course he should be celebrating, I think actually people want to see the celebrations, don’t you?” Moyes said.

"We could have scored five or six goals but we got the 3-0 and we’re very, very happy…"https://t.co/pcO8pOQbgO

— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) December 18, 2017

“We’re in the game for the highs and lows, everybody has the feeling of how people are. I think you’ve got to show it.

“I think anyone who was at the game on Saturday said Marko took a bit of a battering. I think if Marko had taken his top off and run round the ground swinging it above his head, I might have thought it was over the top.

“All he did was slide to his knees, I don’t know how that in any way was a bad way to have done it.”

Arnautovic may be among those rested against Arsenal on Tuesday given Moyes is likely to have one eye on Saturday’s crunch Premier League game at home to fellow strugglers Newcastle.

"He's ready to play…" pic.twitter.com/FQqR3GWu3X

— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) December 18, 2017

Joe Hart will start the match in place of Adrian in goal while Andy Carroll could play after shaking off a back complaint.

Mark Noble, however, will sit out after Moyes said the midfielder had picked up a problem with his hamstring.

“He won’t be fit for tomorrow night,” Moyes said. “We don’t think it’s as bad but he was very tight from the league game against Arsenal (last Wednesday).”

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/david-moyes-feels-he-could-manage-any-team-in-the-world/feed/0163744Arsene Wenger has faith in latest crop of Arsenal youngstershttp://www.globalsoccer.today/arsene-wenger-has-faith-in-latest-crop-of-arsenal-youngsters-2/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/arsene-wenger-has-faith-in-latest-crop-of-arsenal-youngsters-2/#respondMon, 05 Feb 2018 00:04:52 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/arsene-wenger-has-faith-in-latest-crop-of-arsenal-youngsters-2/Arsene Wenger will rotate his squad for Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with West Ham and has backed the latest crop of young players to become the future of the club.
The Frenchman has a history of using the competition as a way of blooding talent in the first team and that has been the case again this season.
The Gunners welcome West Ham to the Emirates Stadium looking to reach the semi-final of the only domestic competition Wenger has not won since taking charge of the club 21 years ago.
With his side having looked lethargic in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle and on the back of two away draws against Southampton and the Hammers, it is clear that Wenger will once again shuffle his pack.
While that could mean starts for international players such as Danny Welbeck, Mathieu Debuchy and Mohamed Elneny, it is also a chance for Wenger's young ensemble to impress.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has started the last two league games having caught the eye in ..

]]>Arsene Wenger will rotate his squad for Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with West Ham and has backed the latest crop of young players to become the future of the club.

The Frenchman has a history of using the competition as a way of blooding talent in the first team and that has been the case again this season.

The Gunners welcome West Ham to the Emirates Stadium looking to reach the semi-final of the only domestic competition Wenger has not won since taking charge of the club 21 years ago.

With his side having looked lethargic in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle and on the back of two away draws against Southampton and the Hammers, it is clear that Wenger will once again shuffle his pack.

While that could mean starts for international players such as Danny Welbeck, Mathieu Debuchy and Mohamed Elneny, it is also a chance for Wenger's young ensemble to impress.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has started the last two league games having caught the eye in the Carabao Cup and Europa League this campaign.

And Wenger will continue to give chances to his young stars, such as Matt Macey, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah – who scored twice off the bench against Norwich in round four.

"It's a very exciting bunch of young players," Wenger said.

"I made the decision a few months ago to try and keep them at the club because I believe they all have futures at the club.

"I am convinced as well, but it is very important for Arsenal to continue giving chances to young players we educate here.

"For example on Saturday, we had four players who have been developed in our academy – Alex Iwobi, Jack Wilshere, Hector Bellerin and Ainsley.

"That shows you that our level you have not many teams who can show up with that. That's a positive sign. We have some good young players coming through as well, behind them. "

Macey, Nketiah and Willock are just three of a number of youngsters to sign new deals with Arsenal recently and – if they do start against West Ham – are likely to line-up alongside players on the fringes of Wenger's first team.

"We have so many quality players who have not started on Saturday but you cannot say that you prefer to play a player who has played three games in six days to a guy who is at the same level and is completely fresh," Wenger said.

"The players who will start are basically all international players, so that's why I think it's a decision that makes sense and you have as well to show the trust and the confidence that we have in the players.

"That's where I come back to. We've got a big squad of top quality and the best way to show that is to use all our squad.

"I trust this team, but I can talk and talk and talk. It's about what we do tomorrow on the pitch and how much we want it."

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/arsene-wenger-has-faith-in-latest-crop-of-arsenal-youngsters-2/feed/0163694No chance of Rooney giving up second penalty against Swansea after missing firsthttp://www.globalsoccer.today/no-chance-of-rooney-giving-up-second-penalty-against-swansea-after-missing-first/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/no-chance-of-rooney-giving-up-second-penalty-against-swansea-after-missing-first/#respondSun, 04 Feb 2018 15:58:02 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/no-chance-of-rooney-giving-up-second-penalty-against-swansea-after-missing-first/Wayne Rooney admits he never contemplated handing Everton's second penalty to somebody else after he had missed one at the end of the first half against Swansea.
Rooney's penalty came off the post and was turned into the net by Dominic Calvert-Lewin to make it 1-1, cancelling out Leroy Fer's opener for Swansea as Everton went on to win 3-1.
It was the second time in Everton's last five league games the Toffees scored with the rebound following a missed Rooney penalty, but there was never any chance of him passing up the opportunity from the spot in the 73rd minute against Swansea.
"I'm a confident person and I believe in myself," Rooney told Sky Sports.
"If you've noticed the two penalties I've missed we scored the rebound because I've put a bit of topspin on the ball knowing if I miss it will come back and we'll score.
"I was never going to give that second penalty up.
"I was frustrated to miss the first one.
"I picked a corner for the se..

]]>Wayne Rooney admits he never contemplated handing Everton's second penalty to somebody else after he had missed one at the end of the first half against Swansea.

Rooney's penalty came off the post and was turned into the net by Dominic Calvert-Lewin to make it 1-1, cancelling out Leroy Fer's opener for Swansea as Everton went on to win 3-1.

It was the second time in Everton's last five league games the Toffees scored with the rebound following a missed Rooney penalty, but there was never any chance of him passing up the opportunity from the spot in the 73rd minute against Swansea.

"I'm a confident person and I believe in myself," Rooney told Sky Sports.

"If you've noticed the two penalties I've missed we scored the rebound because I've put a bit of topspin on the ball knowing if I miss it will come back and we'll score.

"I was never going to give that second penalty up.

"I was frustrated to miss the first one.

"I picked a corner for the second one and put my foot through it and thankfully it's gone in."

Rooney had another influential game playing in a deeper role and believes it is the perfect position for him at this stage of his career.

Rooney has been a key player in Everton's revival under new manager Sam Allardyce and has managed to score 10 goals before Christmas for the first time in six seasons.

England's all-time leading scorer says he is enjoying playing deeper rather than leading the attack as it allows him to decide when to go forward and when to hold back for the benefit of the team.

"It's the right position for me in this stage of my career," Rooney said.

"I can pick my moments when to go in the box and when to stay out and try to help us control the game.

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/no-chance-of-rooney-giving-up-second-penalty-against-swansea-after-missing-first/feed/0163674Swansea manager Paul Clement targets victory against Crystal Palacehttp://www.globalsoccer.today/swansea-manager-paul-clement-targets-victory-against-crystal-palace/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/swansea-manager-paul-clement-targets-victory-against-crystal-palace/#respondSun, 04 Feb 2018 07:48:06 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/swansea-manager-paul-clement-targets-victory-against-crystal-palace/Swansea manager Paul Clement is targeting a much-needed win over Crystal Palace at the weekend to kickstart their survival battle.
A 3-1 defeat at Everton left his side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with just 12 points from 18 matches - exactly the same record which saw Bob Bradley sacked to pave the way for the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich assistant manager to come in.
He successfully guided them to the safety of 15th place and believes the current state of affairs is not yet as bad as the one he inherited.
"We have an opportunity to get to 15 at the halfway point, which would be a better situation. That is what I have to focus on," he said.
However, his task has been made difficult by injury to striker Wilfried Bony - up until last night the only player to have scored since the end of October.
The Ivory Coast international came off less than four minutes into the game to leave his manager frustrated.
"I don't even know what action he had done to create that..

]]> Swansea manager Paul Clement is targeting a much-needed win over Crystal Palace at the weekend to kickstart their survival battle.

A 3-1 defeat at Everton left his side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with just 12 points from 18 matches – exactly the same record which saw Bob Bradley sacked to pave the way for the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich assistant manager to come in.

He successfully guided them to the safety of 15th place and believes the current state of affairs is not yet as bad as the one he inherited.

"We have an opportunity to get to 15 at the halfway point, which would be a better situation. That is what I have to focus on," he said.

However, his task has been made difficult by injury to striker Wilfried Bony – up until last night the only player to have scored since the end of October.

The Ivory Coast international came off less than four minutes into the game to leave his manager frustrated.

"I don't even know what action he had done to create that injury. He has injured his hamstring, the physio has confirmed that," Clement said.

"How serious we are not sure yet. A hamstring is a minimum seven to 10 days."

By contrast Everton manager Sam Allardyce is only looking up after an upturn in results since his appointment late last month.

He has secured 10 points from the four matches he has been in charge with a further three coming in the match he watched from the stands the day before he was officially appointed.

Rooney took his tally to 10 in the league with Everton's third via a penalty after missing from the spot in first half added time only for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to convert the rebound to cancel out Leroy Fer's opener.

Sigurdsson scored a brilliant second against his former club to put them ahead in the 64th minute as the unbeaten run continued.

"Wayne Rooney has got 10 now and Dominic has got seven. We've got 11 in five, which is telling me we are also capable of scoring goals," said Allardyce.

"So when people are thinking of us as a negative side because I talk about keeping clean sheets and getting the basics right we are not that negative."

Allardyce is getting the best out of Â£45million summer signing Sigurdsson but he accepts that may be due to the fact the Iceland international is now up to speed.

"He was always going to get better and better," he said.

"I was speaking to Paul (Clement) before the game and he was saying it knackered them up and knackered Gylfi up because it (his transfer to Everton) took so long so when he arrived he wasn't match fit.

"Now he has got to the level of match fitness we are seeing the best of Gylfi. He wants to go out and prove he is worth every penny we paid for him."

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/swansea-manager-paul-clement-targets-victory-against-crystal-palace/feed/01636314 tips for getting your fantasy team through the festive period from last year’s FPL championhttp://www.globalsoccer.today/4-tips-for-getting-your-fantasy-team-through-the-festive-period-from-last-years-fpl-champion/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/4-tips-for-getting-your-fantasy-team-through-the-festive-period-from-last-years-fpl-champion/#respondSat, 03 Feb 2018 23:35:48 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/4-tips-for-getting-your-fantasy-team-through-the-festive-period-from-last-years-fpl-champion/Premier League fixtures don’t come thicker or faster than during the festive period, which means there’s no rest for Fantasy Premier League managers either.
With 40 games played over just 13 days and some teams playing twice in less than 48 hours, there’s not much time to take stock and set your team up again before the next deadline rolls around.
So you’re going to need some pointers for surviving the festive fixture list, and who better to ask than last season’s FPL champion, Ben Crabtree?
1. Get your Christmas shopping done early
Wayne Rooney signs for Everton" data-title="Wayne Rooney signs for Everton" data-copyright-holder="PA Wire" data-copyright-notice="PA Wire/PA Images" data-credit="Nigel French" data-usage-terms="FILE PHOTO EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publication" srcset="h..

“Dealing with injuries, and rotation can use up plenty of transfers, to the point where you might not be able to do everything you want and will instead need to prioritise,” said Ben, whose team earned 2,564 points last season on the way to beating more than 4.5 million other managers to first place.

“Signing players with good fixtures ahead of time will at least put some parts of your team in a position where you’re happy to leave it alone,” Ben continued.

“In terms of decent fixtures I think Arsenal, Chelsea, Watford and Manchester United look good for attacking and defensive returns. Cheaper picks with decent fixtures might come from Huddersfield and Stoke.

“Either way, just like your Christmas shopping, get it done early to avoid the stress.”

2. Keep your eye out for purple patches

(Mike Egerton/PA)

“Some teams will enjoy the busy Christmas period and will shoot up the league as they amass a large quantity of points over a short period of time,” said Ben. “Likewise, with form footballers some will turn it on and fly over the FPL 100-point mark and further.

Form can come and go very quickly, and a busier fixture list will help form players maximise points due to time on the pitch. Now might be the time to bring in that player who might not do it all season, but is experiencing something of a purple patch.

“A two-week spell of form could see a player rack up points due to the abundance of minutes being played,” Ben said. “So look out for confident players.”

3. Beef up your bench

(Anthony Devlin/PA)

“The number of games played at Christmas brings inevitable rotation and an element of unpredictability,” said Ben.

“Normally it’s an advisable strategy to maximise the money spent in the starting XI and have at least one really cheap player, who might not play regularly, on the bench. However, it’s a bit different at Christmas.

“Even if your bench players aren’t great, if they play regularly, they might just provide cover at the right moment. And a surprise result might see them deliver a little Christmas bonus.”

4. Don’t dawdle on the deadline

(Mike Egerton/PA)

With transfer deadlines across the Christmas period ranging from 11:30 to 14:00 to 18:45, you don’t want to get caught out without having tinkered with your team. As Ben says: “Over Christmas, there are games everywhere and the deadlines are all over the place.”

The answer? Set your team well ahead of time.

“Be sure to keep an eye on those deadlines,” said Ben. “I prefer to make any starting line-up changes and award the armband when I first look at my team so I at least have some pieces in the right place.

“And with regards to transfers I like to know all the games have been played in the current game week, so there are no surprise injuries after I make any purchases.”

]]>http://www.globalsoccer.today/4-tips-for-getting-your-fantasy-team-through-the-festive-period-from-last-years-fpl-champion/feed/0163581Watford Skipper Deeney Banned For Four Matches After Failed Appealhttp://www.globalsoccer.today/watford-skipper-deeney-banned-for-four-matches-after-failed-appeal/
http://www.globalsoccer.today/watford-skipper-deeney-banned-for-four-matches-after-failed-appeal/#respondSat, 03 Feb 2018 15:27:31 +0000http://www.globalsoccer.today/watford-skipper-deeney-banned-for-four-matches-after-failed-appeal/Troy Deeney will serve a four-match suspension after Watford failed in their appeal to overturn his red card against Huddersfield.
Deeney, who was given a retrospective three-match ban earlier this season for an incident with Swansea's Joe Allen, was dismissed following a wild lunge on Collin Quaner in the first half of Watford's 4-1 home defeat to Huddersfield on Saturday.
The Hornets lodged an appeal with the Football Association against captain Deeney's dismissal, but revealed on Tuesday that they had been unsuccessful.
Deeney will now be unavailable for Watford's Premier League matches against Brighton, Leicester, Swansea and Manchester City over the festive period.
mfl
Source: PA-WIRE
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

]]>Troy Deeney will serve a four-match suspension after Watford failed in their appeal to overturn his red card against Huddersfield.

Deeney, who was given a retrospective three-match ban earlier this season for an incident with Swansea's Joe Allen, was dismissed following a wild lunge on Collin Quaner in the first half of Watford's 4-1 home defeat to Huddersfield on Saturday.

The Hornets lodged an appeal with the Football Association against captain Deeney's dismissal, but revealed on Tuesday that they had been unsuccessful.

Deeney will now be unavailable for Watford's Premier League matches against Brighton, Leicester, Swansea and Manchester City over the festive period.